Saturday, December 6, 2008

Contact Neal & Olver before Dec. 9 re: Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail

At the successful Bringing in the Green Expo sponsored by the East Longmeadow Green Committee today, members of the Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail had a chance to talk with Rep. Richard Neal and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, both supporters of commuter rail. We asked Congressman Neal how we could get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line funded in the upcoming stimulus bill that Congress is trying to have ready for President-Elect Obama to sign as soon as he takes office in Jan.

Rep. Neal said that House Democrats are meeting Tue. Dec. 9 to discuss which projects should be funded in the stimulus bill and that he would make this commuter rail line his priority. I believe him because he is on record supporting this commuter rail line. At the same time, I can only imagine the kinds of debates and horsetrading that will play out among congressional colleagues -- all with project backlogs and vocal constituencies -- during this time of competing national crises.

That is why I am urging all of you to contact your U.S. representatives -- before Dec. 9 if possible -- to make sure the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line is prominently on their radar screens as they meet with their colleagues and hammer out the specifics of the stimulus bill that could be passed as early as Jan.

Contact info for U.S. Reps Richard Neal and John Olver, plus suggested subject/text for an email follow. Here's a chance to make yourself heard at a critical time in the decisionmaking process. Thank you!

Jen Cosgrove, PVACR volunteer

Rep. Richard Neal
http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
WASHINGTON (202) 225-5601
MILFORD (508) 634-8198
SPRINGFIELD (413) 785-0325

Rep. John Olver
http://www.house.gov/olver/contactme.html
Washington, DC TEL: 202-225-5335
Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties
TEL: 413-532-7010
Berkshire County
TEL: 413-442-0946
Worcester and Middlesex Counties
TEL: 978-342-8722


SUGGESTED LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD-NEW HAVEN COMMUTER RAIL LINE PROJECT
Subject: Voter who wants Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail funded

Dear Congressmen Neal,

When you meet with your congressional colleagues this week to discuss infrastructure projects that should be funded in the next stimulus bill, please push for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line to be funded.

This project is an excellent example of the kind of “shovel ready” investments that would produce tremendous, long-term benefits for our region.

It's green – Commuter rail would reduce pollution-emitting traffic on I-91, I-84, and I-95, improving the air we all breathe.

It’s good for our economy – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission estimates that this line would generate at least $152 million in new economic activity in Western MA.

It’s good for riders and employers – Commuter rail gives commuters and travelers more convenient and affordable options. It’s also a key part of a sustainable transportation system of rail, buses, and cars that employers need to attract the best workers and keep businesses running smoothly.

Please do all that you can to get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line project funded in the next stimulus bill.

Sincerely,

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